Posted!

Join the Conversation

Vikings beat Steelers 34-27 in London

Associated Press, Associated Press 4:37 p.m. EDT September 29, 2013

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports(Photo: KARE)

LONDON - Greg Jennings made two touchdown catches, Adrian Peterson ran for two scores and the Vikings' defense made a big stop with time running out to preserve a 34-27 win over the Steelers on Sunday for their first win of the season.

Playing at Wembley Stadium, Everson Griffen stripped Ben Roethlisberger on the 6-yard line with 19 seconds left. Kevin Williams recovered to seal the victory.

Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel, starting in place of injured Christian Ponder, finished 16 of 25 for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

The conversation after the game quickly turned to the Carolina game two weeks from Sunday.

"Our quarterback is Christian Ponder," said Vikings coach Leslie Frazier. "We'll discuss a lot of things when we come out of the bye, but no. We'll talk about a lot of things, but we're going to enjoy this victory for a little while at least."

"Christian Ponder is a heck of a quarterback," Cassel said. "And any time, I've been in this situation before. You get hurt. You get banged up. You never want to see that happen. Hopefully, he gets healthy and comes back soon."

Cassel played a clean game. He didn't turn the ball over on Sunday. He fumbled once, but that was recovered by the Vikings.

"Matt's not a backup quarterback. Matt's a starter," said Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings. "He performs as a starter even in the backup position."

Jennings made a 70-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown and Peterson had a 60-yard score to help offset two scores by Pittsburgh rookie running back Le'Veon Bell and give Minnesota (1-3) some hope of turning its season around.

The Steelers fell to 0-4 for the first time since 1968. Roethlisberger was 36 for 51 for 383 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.